What the I.R.S. looks for and why. “Audit” is a word that can strike fear into the hearts of taxpayers. However, the chances of an Internal Revenue Service audit aren’t that high. In 2017, the I.R.S. audited 0.5% of all individual tax returns.1 Being audited does not necessarily imply that the I.R.S. suspects wrongdoing. The […]
Tag: cpa
Will You Avoid These Estate Planning Mistakes?
Too many wealthy households commit these common blunders. Many people plan their estates diligently, with input from legal, tax, and financial professionals. Others plan earnestly but make mistakes that can potentially affect both the transfer and destiny of family wealth. Here are some common and not-so-common errors to avoid. Doing it all yourself. While you […]
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Retirees, Check Your Withholding
It may need to be adjusted due to the 2017 federal tax reforms. The Internal Revenue Service has a message for you. You may need to adjust the amount withheld from your paycheck or the size of your estimated tax payments because the agency is using new withholding tables this year. Should you underpay your […]
The Sequence of Returns
A look at how variable rates of return do (and do not) impact investors over time. What exactly is the “sequence of returns”? The phrase simply describes the yearly variation in an investment portfolio’s rate of return. Across 20 or 30 years of saving and investing for the future, what kind of impact do these […]
Tax Changes Around the Home
How the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act impacted three popular deductions. Three recent tax law changes impact homeowners and home-based businesses. They may affect your federal income taxes this year. The SALT deduction now has a $10,000 yearly limit. You can now only deduct up to $10,000 of some combination of (a) state and local […]
Who Is Your Trusted Contact?
This vital investment account question should be answered sooner rather than later. Investment firms have a new client service requirement. They must now ask you if you want to provide the name and information of a trusted contact.1 You do not have to supply this information, but it is certainly welcomed. The request is being […]
How New Tax Laws Affect Small Businesses
A recap of the major changes impacting corporations and closely held firms. The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act changed the tax picture for business owners. Whether your company is incorporated or held closely, you must recognize how the recent adjustments to the Internal Revenue Code can potentially affect you and your workers. How have things […]